Ontario Fostering Innovation and Skills Development in Mining Sector

Province Investing in Underground Research and Training Facility

SUDBURY - Ontario's government is working for the people by investing in an underground operating mine that serves as a world-class research and training facility, supporting more than 150 full-time direct and indirect jobs.

Today, Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, on behalf of Greg Rickford, Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines, announced the Northern Centre for Advanced Technology (NORCAT) is receiving more than $1.1 million in additional funding support to upgrade underground infrastructure and construct a permanent, above-ground building at its NORCAT Underground Centre.

This brings Ontario's investment in the project to more than $1.65 million.

The NORCAT Underground Centre, located in Onaping, Ontario, enables companies of all sizes to develop, test and showcase innovative and emerging technologies in an operating mine environment. It also serves as a hands-on training and skills development centre, ensuring mine workers are up-to-date on the most modern equipment and processes.

The above-ground structure will provide office, meeting and workshop space, which is key to attracting and retaining international mining companies who will use the services or expand their operations at the centre. Upgrading underground infrastructure will provide companies with access to cutting-edge technology and create new training and education opportunities.

"With our government's support, we are making it possible for mining companies to develop new technologies, invest and create good jobs in the North," said Minister Fedeli. "We are keen to show the world that Ontario and its mining sector are open for business and open for jobs - and that also means being open for research and training."

"With this investment in our new above-ground facility at the NORCAT Underground Centre, the Government of Ontario is helping to shape the future of innovation and technology in the global mining industry," said Don Duval, CEO, NORCAT. "As the only innovation centre in the world with an operating mine, NORCAT is thrilled that Ontario's investment in our expansion will help reinforce our reputation as the one-stop-shop global destination for all that is the future of mining technology, innovation, and skills training."

Quick Facts

NORCAT is a not-for-profit organization with a mandate to drive innovation and entrepreneurship through skilled labour training and product development.

Since June 2018, the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation has invested more than $120 million in 708 projects, creating or retaining 2,368 jobs.